Rick Larsen

America's future is dependent on us getting our investments right in this budget.

We must turn this decline around by investing in manufacturing and boosting exports, both of which create jobs for Americans.

I urge you to fully support programs that are focused on boosting manufacturing and increasing exports.

I think that is why for U.S. viewers of news on this particular case, we are in such shock hearing about stories of this particular captain.

Is that process by invite only, or is there any formal role in this case because there are U.S. citizens involved?

Does the Coast Guard have any history of examining these vessels for any reason, these particular vessels?

Legislation to designate the San Juan Islands in Washington State as a National Conservation Area has been introduced in both the Senate by Senator Maria Cantwell and Senator Patty Murray and in the House by Representative Rick Larsen.

U.S. allies typically bar use of ITAR restricted items for space and military applications...

How can the DOD better facilitate communication between PM offices where the technology needs are vetted...

I'm pleased to be joining you and the other panel members here today on what is the last hearing of the panel's first 6 months to look at challenges of doing business with the Department of Defense.

What specific reforms do you think would be most helpful that this panel should be promoting with regards to export control and ITAR?

Doing business with the DOD either the cost to enter the defense market or the cost to comply with defense regulations is prohibitive.

The Federal acquisition process consists of many onerous rules and regulations.

What is/should be DOD's strategy for transitioning innovations developed at small businesses to the battlefield...

We would also like to hear your recommendations for ideas to bolster the existing defense industrial base.

Government export control policies hinder the sale of U.S. goods and services to foreign buyers.

There is a lack of skilled acquisition professionals.

The technology valley of death continues to grow.

A key message that has been shared by a lot of the stakeholders that we have met with is the importance of the defense industrial base to our Nation's security.

I would like to extend my condolences to the families of the 25 passengers and crewmembers who died as a result of this tragic marine casualty.

I want to thank you for scheduling the morning's hearing to delve into the safety of cruise vessels in light of the January 13th, 2012, grounding of the Italian cruise ship Costa Concordia off the coast of Italy.

We either choose to address this challenge or we risk losing a critical foothold necessary to maintain U.S. sovereignty in an Arctic frontier of emerging global economic importance.

It is hard for me to recall another instance where the solution to a policy problem has been so apparent, yet the reaction of the Congress is so contrary or unresponsive.

Thank you for scheduling this morning's hearing to assess the capabilities of the U.S. Coast Guard's ability to maintain and protect the sovereign interests of the United States in the Arctic.

This panel is charged with looking at ways DOD can improve its business practices, not only for the benefit of the DOD budget, but also for the benefit of local companies who want to provide services and goods.